SA Wine Guide 2025

Eight at the Gate Family Selection Shiraz 2021

Smith & Hooper Pinot Grigio 2024

G 92

G 92

Medium straw. Generous red apple, pear and musk aromas with a gentle spicy lift. Flavoursome and bold for a Grigio style with al-dente acidity to underpin a lingering, finely tuned finish. Drink now–2027 Stonehaven Limited Vineyard Release Shiraz 2021 G 92 Deep crimson. Reserved fruit pastille, liquorice and crushed spice aromas with aniseed notes. Well pitched with open-knit textures punctuated by oak tannins which all flesh out nicely on the finish. Drink now–2030 Wynns Coonawarra Estate V&A Lane Shiraz 2022 G 92 Medium-deep crimson. Attractive blackberry pastime, mulberry, cassis aromas with herb garden sage notes. Chocolaty and slightly grippy with abundant blackberry, praline flavours, fine gravely tannins and underlying vanilla notes. Finished claret firm. Drink 2026–2034 Balnaves of Coonawarra The Blend Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot 2021 G 91 Medium-deep crimson. Fleshy mulberry and blackberry aromas to open with herbal/cedary notes. Dense and firm to start before fleshing out with good support from chalky tannins to finish. Drink 2026–2030 Barristers Block Millie Cabernet Sauvignon 2022 G 91 Medium-deep crimson. Attractive and vibrant aromas of choc-mint, cocoa and graphite with leafy notes. A flavoursome yet supple palate follows with slightly firm-edged tannins to finish. Drink 2025–2028 Brand & Sons Last Sunday Drive Cabernet Franc 2021 G 91 Deep crimson. Open knit and strongly varietal aromas of leafy blackcurrants are topped with a touch of gravel which deliver a well-pitched and attractive opening. Fleshy textures with well weighted chocolate and dark berry flavours follow suit before softening on the finish. Drink 2025–2030 Brand & Sons Fire & Ice Shiraz 2021 G 91 Medium-deep crimson. Juicy vibrant dark cherry and clove aromas with cola hints and touches of vanilla. Chalky textures and al dente tannins then underpin reserved dark berry flavours with strong spicy undertones before firm acidity drives the finish. Drink now–2029

Deep crimson. Fleshy vibrant aromas of mulberry and blackberry with liquorice allsorts notes. Spicy plummy flavours show good balance with grainy tannins before fleshing out on the finish. Drink now–2029 Leconfield Merlot 2022 G 92 Mid-deep crimson. Ample blackberry, blackcurrant and olive tapenade aromas are lifted by cedar notes. Generously flavoured with firm/al-dente tannins which tighten up to a drying finish. Quite classic but needs a couple of years to flesh out. Drink 2026–2034

Parker Estate Cool Climate Cabernet Sauvignon 2022

G 92

Deep crimson. Fragrant choc mint, cedar and blackberry aromas with notes of sandalwood. Juicy cassis, dried herb and cedar flavours are underpinned by gentle al-dente tannins to support a fine, lingering finish. Drink now–2028

Parker Estate Terra Rossa Cabernet Sauvignon 2023

G 92

Deep crimson. Elegant aromas of mulberry and red currant lifted by prominent balanced leafy notes and roasted walnut oak. Vibrant with crisp acidity that supports reserved blackcurrant and graphite flavours accented with chalky tannins. Already approachable but will hold nicely. Drink 2025–2030 Parker Estate Terra Rossa Shiraz 2023 G 92 Deep crimson. Reserved choc-berry, toasted clove, cherry liqueur aromas with roasted walnut notes. Supple and fleshy with open-knit plum and cocoa flavours accented by fresh, ripe tannins with a spicy and vibrant conclusion, accented by vanillin oak. Drink now–2030 Reschke Bull Trader Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 G 92 Medium crimson. Chocolate and blackberry aromas with notes of fresh cedar. Vibrant blackcurrant flavours are unashamedly fruit-forward, well concentrated and sustained with good support from supple tannins. Drink now–2028 Reschke Vitulus Shiraz 2022 G 92 Deep crimson. Oak-driven style with fresh cedar aromas leading the cart, supported by plump blackberry and blackcurrant. Fleshy cherry flavours are approachable with al-dente tannins providing some support to enjoy over the short to medium term. Drink now–2030

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The Vintage Journal – Regional Focus

South Australia 2024

211

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